The Railroad Museum of New England Celebrates 30 Years in Thomaston, CT with Special Trains

The Railroad Museum of New England Celebrates 30 Years in Thomaston, CT

with Special Trains

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THOMASTON, Conn. — The Railroad Museum of New England is pleased to announce its "Celebrate 30" events September 25-27, 2026, sponsored by Thomaston Savings Bank. It was 30 years ago, on September 26, 1996, that the Railroad Museum of New England and its wholly owned subsidiary, Naugatuck Railroad, began operating in the Upper Naugatuck Valley in Connecticut. There will be special train operations on September 26-27 to celebrate the tremendous effort by Museum volunteers and Railroad-paid staff over the last 30 years to get the Museum to where it is today.

Friday, September 25

A night photo session will be held at Thomaston Station beginning at 8:30 PM. Tickets are $30.00 each and are limited to the first 30 people to sign up. Tickets can be purchased at the Celebrate 30 webpage.

Saturday, September 26

Special train celebrating 30 years, leaving Thomaston Station at 12:00 PM, will run south to Highland Junction in Waterbury. The train will consist of heavyweight coaches pulled by the newly-restored New Haven Railroad Alco RS-3 diesel locomotive No. 529. Included will be a "run-by" for photographers. Tickets are $50.00. Advance ticket purchases are suggested on the Celebrate 30 webpage.

Sunday, September 27

Special trains celebrating 30 years, leaving Thomaston Station at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, will run north to the end of the track in Torrington. The trains will consist of heavyweight coaches pulled by restored New Haven Railroad Alco RS-3 diesel locomotive No. 529. A photo run-by will be included. Tickets are $50.00. Advance ticket purchases are suggested on the Celebrate 30 webpage.

The Railroad Museum of New England's Naugatuck Railroad offers scenic passenger trains using vintage rail equipment, and provides freight service to commercial customers in the Upper Naugatuck Valley. It continues a tradition started by the original Naugatuck Railroad, built nearly 177 years ago to serve the Naugatuck Valley. The Railroad Museum of New England has roots going back to the 1960s, and its mission is to preserve and interpret New England's rich railroad history. Thirty years ago, the Museum's volunteers worked tirelessly to begin scenic train rides. Thanks to community support, the fire-damaged Thomaston Station was rebuilt with support from Thomaston Savings Bank and others. The 20-mile rail line was also upgraded, with support from the State of Connecticut. The Railroad Museum of New England is a non-profit educational institution, and donations are tax-deductible. Volunteers and new members are welcome.

For additional information, visit RMNE.org or call 860-283-7245.